What Is a Dental Exam?
A dental exam is a dentist-led checkup of your teeth and gums, your bite and jaw, your oral tissues and your overall oral health. The Canadian Dental Association notes that only a dentist can perform it.
The dentist looks for cavities and gum inflammation as well as worn teeth and damaged fillings. Jaw discomfort, tissue changes and signs of grinding or clenching are on the list too.
Many of these problems cause no pain at first and are hard to spot in a mirror.
What Does a Dental Checkup Include?
Tooth and Cavity Check
The dentist checks each tooth for cavities and cracks as well as wear and rough edges. Damaged fillings and sensitive spots get a close look too.
Gum Health Check
Your gums are checked for bleeding, inflammation and recession. The dentist also checks for pockets, the gaps that open between gum and tooth as gum disease sets in. Our gum health care page explains the warning signs.
Bite and Jaw Review
The dentist looks at how your teeth meet and how your jaw moves. Uneven wear, grinding, clenching and a sore TMJ area all show up here. The TMJ is the joint that links your jaw to your skull.
Existing Dental Work Review
Fillings and crowns are checked for fit and comfort, and so are bridges and dentures. The dentist looks for wear or looseness and for any leakage or damage.
Oral Tissue and Oral Cancer Screening
The dentist checks your lips, tongue, cheeks and gums for unusual changes. The roof and floor of your mouth and your throat area are part of the check. The CDA lists white patches and blocked salivary glands among the early signs of mouth or throat cancer.
This screening is a look for changes. It cannot confirm or rule out cancer by itself. If a spot needs a closer look, the dentist tells you what comes next.
Tell the dentist about any sore or patch inside your mouth that has not healed. Mention it if you smoke or chew tobacco, which the CDA notes raises the chance of oral cancer.
X-Rays When Needed
Not every visit needs X-rays. The dentist recommends them to see between teeth and under fillings or to look around roots and into the supporting bone. The CDA says they show decay below the gumline and fractures. They also reveal impacted wisdom teeth and bone loss from gum disease.
Treatment Planning
If the dentist finds a concern, we explain what it means and which options fit. You hear the timing we suggest and the expected cost. Nothing starts until you have the facts. No pressure.
Who Should Book a Dental Exam?
Book a dental exam even when nothing hurts. Many dental problems start quietly and are simpler to manage when found early.
Book an exam if you want to:
A bad toothache, swelling or a broken tooth needs a sooner visit. Call us and read our emergency dentistry page.
- ✓Get a routine dental checkup
- ✓Have bleeding or receding gums looked at
- ✓Review old fillings, crowns, bridges or dentures
- ✓Check jaw discomfort or signs of grinding
- ✓Bring your child for a dental visit
- ✓Find a dentist in Grimsby accepting new patients
Dental Exam vs Dental Cleaning
A dental exam and a dental cleaning are two separate services. Many patients book both at one visit.
The dentist performs the exam to check your oral health, diagnose concerns and recommend treatment when you need it.
The cleaning removes plaque, tartar and surface buildup from your teeth and gumline. Our dental cleaning page walks through that visit.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?
There is no fixed number for everyone. The Canadian Dental Association says it depends on your oral health needs. For many people, that means an exam every six months.
Your dentist may suggest visits closer together or further apart. The CDA names the factors, starting with how well you care for your teeth and gums and how fast tartar builds up. Problems that need watching count too.
Smoking, diet, general health and any history of cavities or gum disease matter as well. Dry mouth, tooth wear and a lot of existing dental work can call for closer checkups.
The CDA makes one more point: your dental plan should not decide how often you go. Your dentist sets the interval from what your mouth needs.
What to Expect at Grimsby Lake Dental
Your appointment begins with a talk about your dental concerns and oral health history, plus any medical updates or symptoms.
Tell the dentist about new health conditions and new medicines, plus any allergies or pregnancy. The CDA notes that some medicines cause dry mouth or gum changes, so the dentist needs the full list.
After the exam we explain the findings in clear language. If you need treatment, we go over the options and timing and the expected cost before anything begins.
New to Grimsby Lake Dental? Book your first visit online or call (905) 309-5757. Bring your coverage details and a list of your medicines. For a longer read before you come in, see our complete guide to dental checkups.
Cost and CDCP Information
A complete dental exam for a new patient in Ontario costs roughly $115 to $160 before coverage. That range averages three Ontario cost sources. It is a general market range, not our fee.
A recall exam for a returning patient costs much less than a complete exam. X-rays and a cleaning are separate items on the bill. Your total depends on the exam type, any X-rays, a cleaning and what your coverage pays.
We explain the expected cost before treatment begins.
Grimsby Lake Dental accepts CDCP and bills the plan directly for eligible services. CDCP covers dental exams within its frequency limits, such as one recall exam in any 12 months under the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide.
Have private insurance or another dental benefit? Bring your plan details to your checkup. We go through the estimated cost together before any treatment.
Related Services
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a dental exam?+
Your dentist sets the interval from your oral health. The CDA says it depends on your oral health needs.
Do I need a dental exam if my teeth do not hurt?+
Yes. Cavities and gum problems can develop before pain starts. So can worn fillings, tissue changes and bite problems.
Can children book dental exams?+
Yes. We provide dental exams and checkups for children, adults, seniors and families.
Are dental X-rays always needed?+
No. The dentist recommends X-rays based on your symptoms and dental history, the exam findings and your risk.
Is a dental exam the same as a dental cleaning?+
No. The exam checks and diagnoses your oral health. The cleaning removes plaque, tartar and surface buildup. Many patients book both at one visit.
Can a dental exam detect oral cancer?+
The exam includes a check for unusual changes in your mouth and throat area. That check cannot confirm or rule out cancer on its own.
How much does a dental exam cost in Ontario?+
A complete new-patient exam costs roughly $115 to $160 before coverage, based on Ontario cost sources. A recall exam costs less.
Does CDCP cover dental exams?+
Yes, within the plan's frequency limits. Our CDCP page explains who qualifies and what you pay.
Where is Grimsby Lake Dental located?+
We are at 414 Winston Rd, Grimsby, ON L3M 0H2, near Lake Ontario and the QEW. Parking on site is free.
Book a Dental Exam in Grimsby
Need a routine checkup, a new patient exam or an oral health assessment? Book your dental checkup in Grimsby at Grimsby Lake Dental. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.